After hearing this, Jason Luo was stunned.
"What? There's really something like that? That's way too unfair!"
Raul patted him on the shoulder.
"Fairness? Jason, you're still too young. In this world, absolute fairness doesn't exist! Alright, that's it for today. I'm heading back to the gym. Do you want to go with your friend, or should I give you a ride?"
Jason Luo glanced at Tony Huo.
"No need, I'll head back with Tony."
Tony Huo added,
"Yeah, don't worry. I've got a car too..."
...
The two of them were riding on a single bicycle, with Tony pedaling hard.
"Damn it, Jason, the moment you sat down, the tires nearly went flat! I should've just taken my dad's beat-up car."
"Quit talking nonsense. Do you even have a license?"
"Heh, not yet, but soon. I already passed the written test. Just waiting on the road test. Once I get it, the first thing I'll do is take you for a spin."
"And where'd you get the money to even apply?"
"Simple. I sold my guitar. I realized chasing a band dream isn't realistic right now. Once I get my license, if nothing else works out, I'll drive a taxi. Anyway, enough of that. Where are we going?"
Jason thought for a moment.
"Let's head to Chinatown. I'll treat you to dinner."
"Now that's what I've been waiting to hear! But seriously, switch with me. You riding on the back is like an ant hauling an elephant. Don't you feel embarrassed?"
...
Chinatown, the biggest gathering place for Chinese in the city, was usually bustling. But with the pandemic this year, both businesses and crowds had taken a hard hit.
Jason and Tony wandered aimlessly through the streets. For kids from poor families like them, "going out to play" usually just meant walking around.
The prices here were cheaper. Jason bought some daily necessities, while Tony grabbed two identical bargain T-shirts. They changed into them on the spot, then looked at each other and burst out laughing.
Many storefronts had "For Rent" signs hanging outside. Business was clearly tough this year. By noon, the two ducked into a small Chinese restaurant. The owner greeted them warmly as they sat down and casually ordered two meat dishes and some rice.
Since there weren't many customers, the food arrived quickly. The waitress was a plainly dressed young girl. The two bachelors couldn't help but steal a few extra glances, making her blush. She quickly set the dishes down and darted back into the kitchen.
Such a shy girl was rare these days, and both Jason and Tony found it amusing. Tony nudged Jason.
"Jason, you think she's the owner's daughter?"
Jason shook his head.
"Nah. She looks new to this. Probably just picking up shifts here while figuring things out."
"Hehe, not bad though. She's interesting. And hey, the food's decent too. Try it."
After a few bites, Jason pulled a thousand dollars from his pocket.
"Tony, brothers should settle debts clearly. Here's a thousand first. I'll give you the rest in a few days."
Tony's face darkened.
"Jason, that's messed up. We just wrapped up Uncle Luo's issue, and now you're rushing to pay me back? What, I'm not your brother anymore?"
Jason pushed the money forward.
"Tony, we're brothers. I'm no good with sentimental words, but my dad's situation was all thanks to you. I'll never forget it. Honestly, I wasn't in a rush to pay you back, but I know how much that guitar meant to you. If there's a chance, I'd like you to buy it back."
"Forget it. I already sold it—how am I supposed to ask for it back? Besides, I've really moved on. Dreams can't put food on the table. Better to live steady. My dad was right—once you face reality, you've grown up..."
After he said that, both of them went silent. Yeah, for people at the bottom, just surviving was already tough enough. Talking about dreams was a luxury.
Tony shoved the money back to Jason.
"Jason, you keep it. I still live off my dad—food, clothes, rent, all covered. I've got it better than you. You're the one carrying your whole family, and who knows how much more your dad's situation will cost. Don't be fooled by the seven hundred you earned today. Watching you in that fight nearly gave me a heart attack. Brother, let's try to find a better job when we can."
Jason nodded.
"Sure. You take the lead, and if taxi driving pays well, I'll join you. Haha."
Since Tony didn't want to talk about money, Jason let it drop. Just then, the girl from earlier—Grace—brought over two bowls of noodle soup. Maybe the noodles were too hot, or maybe she was nervous around them, but as she set them down, her hand shook, spilling soup onto their brand-new T-shirts. Startled, she let out a small cry!
It was nothing serious—just a few splashes. But the boss heard the noise, rushed over, and his face darkened.
"Grace, apologize to the customers! Business is already bad enough, and now you're making mistakes like this. I'll deduct today's losses from your pay. Don't bother coming back tomorrow."
At that, Grace trembled, her lips quivering as tears streamed down her face. Jason and Tony couldn't sit still any longer.
"It's fine, boss. Just a little spill, no harm done. She's working hard—everyone makes mistakes."
"Yeah, no need for an apology. Look, you've already scared her to tears..."
Hearing that, the boss finally let it go, though he scolded her a few more times before sending her back to wash dishes.
The whole thing reminded Jason of his own days washing dishes in a Chinese restaurant. Working away from home was really tough. Compared to that, being a sparring partner now—even though it was grueling—was still better...
After the meal, Grace came out again, bowed, and said,
"Thank you for earlier. Please, let me cover the bill."
Jason naturally refused. She insisted, but luckily there was a menu on the wall. A quick glance showed the meal cost a little over thirty-four dollars. Jason took out forty, handed it to her, and left the rest as a tip.
Grace firmly refused, so Jason left the money on the table. As they got up to leave, he said,
"Grace, we're all just workers. Bad days happen, but don't let it get to you. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Hang in there!"
Once outside, Tony chuckled.
"Guess that makes us heroes saving a damsel in distress, huh? Jason, this girl's pretty nice. Let's come back here to eat again."
Jason laughed.
"You're all talk. If you're so bold, why don't you actually get yourself a girlfriend?"
"Girlfriend? With what?" Tony patted the back seat of his bike.
"What, take her for a ride on this thing? Don't joke around, brother! For now, this back seat belongs only to you."
Riding through the bustling streets of Chicago, with traffic streaming by and skyscrapers looming above, Jason's heart was restless. Life might have its beautiful moments, but for people at the bottom, those moments always felt out of reach.
---
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